Staying In Touch With Friends And Family During International Travel

International travel can be an incredible experience, but what happens when you want to share all your happy moments and memories with your family and friends without racking up a huge amount of phone charges in the process or having to wait until you get home? Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch even while you’re overseas, but it might require a little extra effort on your part. The following are some tips for how you can stay in contact with your loved ones when you’re traveling internationally even if the cell reception isn’t the greatest where you are.

Skype
Voice calls are great but one of the best features is that you can video with anyone anywhere in the world for free which Skype offers if you want to chat with other Skype users. This is especially nice when you’re so far away from your family and friends and you just want to see a face you recognize or you want to show someone special what’s going on around you on your side of the world. You can also instant message other Skype users. The app is free to download on your phone.

Download Apps
Speaking of downloading on your phone, there are several apps, such as WhatsApp (which is free to download), where you can call and message for free. Make sure to read all the terms and conditions, especially before you start using it while you’re traveling.

Get on Social Media
You can try getting on some social media accounts, but you might have some problems. For example, while you may have no trouble at all, trying to use Facebook with its security features could prove to be challenging depending on your situation. However, if your social media accounts do work, it can be a quick and easy way to update your loved ones about how your trip is going, just make sure you’re using free Wi-Fi.

Send Letters and Postcards
Wait, letters and postcards? Yes! Think about it. When was the last time you actually received something in the mail that wasn’t a bill or junk? How great does it feel to get a birthday card or a present? There’s no reason you shouldn’t share that happiness with your loved ones back home. Even a simple short-and-sweet postcard or a letter with a couple of pictures (actual pictures … not digital) could certainly put a smile on their faces.

Keep in mind that reading the fine print, asking questions, and confirming information are absolutely essential. If you get a massive phone bill because of a misunderstanding, your phone company likely isn’t just going to let it slide. Get everything down in writing if necessary to ensure that you’re all set for your international travel without having to worry every time you contact one of your family members or friends back home. The best thing you can do is call your phone company, let them know where you’re traveling to, and ask them what your options are in terms of service availability and cost.